Recurrent abdominal pain in children: forerunner to adult irritable bowel syndrome?

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Published on: October 29, 2014

Monica Jarrett1, Margaret Heitkemper, Danita I Czyzewski

  • 1Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. jarrett@u.washington.edu

Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing : JSPN
|August 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children may stem from non-organic causes, often linked to psychosocial factors. A significant portion of these children develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common pediatric complaint.
  • The etiology and pathophysiology of RAP remain incompletely understood.
  • RAP may represent a precursor to adult functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the etiology and pathophysiology of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP).
  • To explore the potential role of RAP as a precursor to adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric recurrent abdominal pain.
  • Analysis of the link between RAP, psychosocial factors, and adult IBS diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Physiological mechanisms for RAP may not always be overtly organic.
  • Psychosocial factors can trigger RAP, leading to functional disability and increased healthcare utilization.
  • Approximately 25% of children with RAP experience similar symptoms in adulthood, often diagnosed as IBS.

Conclusions:

  • RAP may involve underlying physiological mechanisms influenced by psychosocial factors.
  • Early and comprehensive management by nurses, considering the child's context, is crucial.
  • Understanding RAP's link to IBS highlights the importance of early intervention and holistic care.
Abstract

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